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LETTERS cont’d from page 5
COMMENT: Reading through this document it’s no wonder people are concerned that Regional Parks is trying to nudge out the fishing industry and put it place an “Adventure Center” which does, in my opinion, sound very ‘Disneylandish’. The concern that the county views Bodega Bay as a “cash cow” is very real and must be addressed head on. I understand the dilemma of the county needing to find viable funding to renovate Masons Marina but you’re not going to get far if people feel manipulated or lied to (as did the Occidental community).
why people come here from all over the world. I (along with several others) regularly pick up trash on Doran Beach. This summer I averaged 30 gallons of trash a week.
My main concern about Masons Marina and any Bodega Bay proposed project is the impact on wildlife, the ocean, and the surrounding environment. I have a couple of questions and comments to add to Monday nights conversation regarding Masons Marina.
Forming an advisory committee for this project that reflects the community seems to be a solid place to begin. This committee should include people from all walks of life here in Bodega Bay. The members should be willing to commit to attending and contributing to each meeting. Members should commit to objectivity and to stay open to community input.
QUESTION: The overall consensus of the community attending the meeting was that commercial fishing should be the main focus of Masons Marina. On page 9 of the County of Sonoma Regional Parks Staff Report, Bodega Bay Opportunities, dated January 14, 2013, under the heading, Summary of Interim Recommendations, sub heading, ‘Mason’s Marina’, the first bullet point states, “Commercial berth rentals will be phased out”. The 5th bullet point states, “Mason’s may be demolished to provide for such future uses.” Is this still the intention of Regional Parks and if not, where can I get an updated plan document?
COMMENT: Section Two: Potential Long-term Strategies of the document mentioned above, there are 6 bullet points. The 5th is, “Increase tourism and create a vibrant tourist economy.” No where is fishing mentioned in this list. The 6th bullet point is, “Contribute to improvement of local economy” which makes no mention of the fishing industry and is rather ambiguous.
2nd paragraph, “In addition to the onsite educational facilities, the Center would coordinate programming, link with shuttles and trails, and cross promote the other existing and forthcoming scientific and educational centers in the region, such as the U.C. Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory & Reserve, Monte Rio Watershed Educational Center, Occidental Adventure Day Lodge, and the future visitor center of Jenner Headlands Preserve.” Caryl Hart mentioned at Monday nights meeting that Regional Parks has “backed off” the Gateway Project in light of the upset of the Occidental community over the project. Is there a revised copy of this document to reflect that shift?
Final thoughts:
• Bodega Bay and Doran Park in particular are already overwhelmed with spring/summer/fall tourists. Traffic, road safety, impact on wildlife, impact on the beaches (trash) and environment are already heavily burdened by this influx of tourists. Encouraging more tourism/people will further burden all aspects of life for those who live, work and visit Bodega Bay.
6 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 12/15
QUESTION: In this same document under Bodega Bay Center for Outdoor Opportunities and Learning (Bodega Bay COOL):
• Safety of tourists and residents of Bodega Bay must be addressed. Our understaffed and overworked fire department cannot keep up with the summer demand. The tax payers of Bodega Bay are already carrying the brunt of the cost. Charging outside residents for emergency calls seems in order to offset the costs.
• Transparency: Make Profit and Loss statement and all financials for Masons Marina public. Create an online forum for conversation and input about this project.
I appreciate the opportunity to weigh in on this project. As a Bodega Bay resident I look forward to working with the community and Regional Parks to come up with a solution that will enhance the financial viability of Masons Marina and our fishing industry. I believe we can accomplish this task while keeping the wildlife, ocean, and tranquil environment a priority.
Thank you,
Darris Nelson, Bodega Bay
UPDATE: In response to community input, Regional Parks decided to defer the feasibility study and to focus in improvements, including finding a vendor to operate the mini-market.